A recent District of Sooke letter requesting an additional $2,000 from those who bought memorial benches several years ago has left many confused.

Sooke resident Brandy Rittaler is one of them.

The letter is asking people who have bought a memorial bench to submit the money by Jan. 31 to B次元官网网址渕aintain the bench,B次元官网网址� or the plaque will be removed and placed elsewhere.

Rittaler said $1,600 was fundraised in 2006 to buy a bench in honour of her mother, Judy Jamieson, who died 11 years ago, and she was very confused to receive a letter asking for another $2,000 to keep it there.

She decided to contact the district about the renewal policy, and found that she had bought the bench before the policy was implemented, and was never made aware of the price increase.

B次元官网网址淚 am so disappointed in the District of Sooke for these actions. It feels to me like a heartless money grab,B次元官网网址� said Rattler. B次元官网网址淚 also feel the District of Sooke owes an apology to the people who have received these letters. They have caused more grief and confusion during a time of year many of us struggle with already.B次元官网网址�

She explained that the district has been in contact with her, were B次元官网网址渧ery apologeticB次元官网网址� and are working to find a solution to the issue.

B次元官网网址淚 understand that the parks and benches need to be maintained, but I just think the whole thing could have been handled better and they could have given people a warning that the policy had changed,B次元官网网址� said Rittaler. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 hoping the community will come together and find a better way to manage the policies for the future.B次元官网网址�

Sooke mayor Maja Tait said she is empathetic to all parties concerned, and believes there has been some miscommunication that happened along the way to cause this issue.

B次元官网网址淚 feel sorry for the families who have been impacted, especially at this emotional time of year which is meant for celebrating and remembering family,B次元官网网址� said Tait. B次元官网网址淐ouncil certainly doesnB次元官网网址檛 want to make it negative or difficult for anyone and unfortunately it seems like that is what has happened.B次元官网网址�

She said a staff report will be brought forward at MondayB次元官网网址檚 council meeting, and thatB次元官网网址檚 when they will having a meaningful conversation on how to make it right for the people involved.